Describe how working in a meatpacking plant affects Ona and Elzbieta

They became weakened, numb, and depressed by hard, repetitive work and bad conditions.

Explanation:

The jobs of Elzbieta and Ona were very tiring and harsh, in an unsafe and dirty environment. Elzbieta had to work for a long and stand all the time, which affected her legs. Their jobs were repetitive and boring, and it is said that they had no time to think. After the work, they were drained, without the strength for anything, sometimes it was hard for them even to home.

It is mentioned that after the work both Elzbieta and Ona would often be silent, with no strength or wish to talk at all. They were numbed out, with no desire for anything. These were all the effects of the work and the sign of how depressed, drained, and beaten up they were by working in the meatpacking plant.